Heavy Metal-World.com has Moved to WWW.ITCHYMETAL.COM

Hey Heavy Metal enthusiasts - the original blog is still here, but the official site and all the latest news from Itchy Metal has now officially moved to our new site at WWW.ITCHYMETAL.COM

Come check us out over there!  \m/

THE WORLD PREMIERE MUSIC VIDEO “THE ROAD” BY MIKEDRASTIC

Click on over to ITCHYMETAL and Chk out the new music video from IME Artist MikeDrastic: http://bit.ly/gKi1hb

Phoenix Rockers "Impulsive Aggression" Sign to Itchy Metal Entertainment

Since launch in late 2010, Itchy Metal Entertainment strives to look beyond stereo-types and the societal prerequisites of main stream music. Constantly challenged to seek new paths, the indie label’s mission embodies hard-working artists and provides a platform from which to expose the metal art form to a world-wide audience.

With a strong affection for bands that command presence, IME partners with musicians that remain agile and possess a core business maturity. In return, the label provides honest opportunity through a driving work ethic  and innovative approach– a direct reflection of the artists themselves.

These tenets have extended Itchy Metal Artists world-wide and recently introduced the label to Phoenix, Arizona. In a land of tumbleweed and sunsets, cactus and mountains they found four cowboys from hell known locally as the heavy-metal foursome “Impulsive Aggression”.

“Heavily” inspired, drummer Craig Henry combines musical efforts with Joe Paniagua on guitars, Jack Schwitz on bass and front man Rich Morales. The resulting assault of thick crunchy guitars, thunderous bass, hardcore vocals and pounding drums manifests as thrashers on a mission and this group’s rapid-fire pace has taken their sound all over America’s Southwest.

“Craig and I had several conversations about the direction of the band and potential opportunities for growth,” states Ed Fassio, IME President. “This band understands the important combination of stage and strategy. They possess a fueled passion for metal with an equivalent appetite for success, and it’s their tenacity that particularly stood out.”

Make no mistake- these guys definitely take their shredding just as serious! Veterans to live performance and road warriors with the mileage to prove it, Impulsive Aggression has played  at venues large and small, sharing the bill with such acts as Agent Orange, Death Pilot, LA Guns, Lizzy Borden, Dokken, Flotsam & Jetsam and Otep....just to name a few. And with upcoming performances on Sunset Strip alongside Fear Factory and Asesino, these metal merchants are definitely guilty by association.

Impulsive Aggression’s addition to the Itchy Metal roster includes a calculated plan to develop and extend the group’s branding, two forthcoming releases and a collaborative merchandising deal.

“We’re really stoked to join Itchy Metal,” says IA’s Craig Henry. “And we’re looking forward to a future of opportunities.”

For more information on the band, visit them online at: www.reverbnation.com/impulsiveaggression

“Winter Will Follow” Brings a Blizzard of Brutal to Itchy Metal Entertainment

There was a time when people said Sin City had no metal scene. If it ain’t Elvis, it just wasn’t Vegas. Then we heard rumors of underground parties and desert shows. And as if the sun itself dried out the naysayers, slowly – but surely, the metal began to surface. Through the cracks, out of the garages, and spilling on to the streets, the decibels kept getting louder and the quake, bigger.

Eventually, that rumble evolved into one of the fastest growing indie metal scenes the west coast has experienced since Thrash hit the Bay. In today’s Las Vegas, heavy metal has risen from the belly of the beast to the mouth of the dragon and Sin City claims playground to several brutal forces and genre variations.

Local head-bangers already know that there are certain venues that the boldest of metal bands call home. Included are Rancho’s delightfully infamous Cheyenne Saloon – a rough and gritty “House of Heavy” and the skate-inspired “702”, one of the more popular all-ages venues off the strip. It’s at both, the adrenalized five-piece known as “Winter Will Follow” routinely commands center stage, explode ear drums and rocks audiences to the core.


Bonded by friendship, WWF started as a few guys "jamming" and quickly became a force to be reckoned with, now established as a staple in the Las Vegas music scene.

“I remember seeing these guys at the Farm almost 3 years ago and they were pure energy unleashed. Their live show is nothing short of atomic,” recalls Ed Fassio, founder of Itchy Metal Entertainment. “And right in the middle of all that mayhem, you’ve got five guys dedicated to their craft and smart about their business. That mix instantly appealed to me.”

Playing shows across the Southwest, and sharing stage with kindred heavyweights like Silent Civilian and Volumes – (just to name a couple), Winter Will Follow has built a strong and dedicated following of hardcore fans. With driving beats, massive metal riffs, and in your face vocals, the group defines their own style and delivers unique character.

“Winter Will Follow is a band that loves doing what they do and they put a ton of focus into bringing that emotion directly to the stage,” adds Fassio.

The band’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with a strategic promotional campaign, the distribution of two new singles, and a collaborative merchandising project.

Itchy Metal Artist: STRYKJÄRN Video Update from Sweden

Mix anything with a little beer and MAGIC can happen! Check out what our boys from Sweden have been up to in their latest video blog:

Itchy Metal Artist: MIKEDRASTIC Video Update on "The Road" - Coming Soon!

Resident Rapper amongst metal-makers, IME's MikeDrastic takes a few minutes to share the latest happenings from the Emerald City, reflects on how the hard workin' folk really live, and keeps fans in anticipation of his upcoming music video for "The Road"

Brought to you LIVE from the bedroom, cuz even rockstars gotta rest!

In Shadows Embrace Announces New Guitar Player

With the recent departure of long-time ISE guitarist Mike Zolczer, Vegas' own brutal brothers "IN SHADOWS EMBRACE" welcome Jason Benoit to the band!

IME Artist: diM. on Good Looks & Heavy Metal...

Check out their latest vid update:

In Shadows Embrace's Slaughter House Clothing Zombie Shoot

Check out the latest photo shoot by Itchy Metal Artist: "IN SHADOWS EMBRACE"
Taken in Las Vegas, NV by Radiant Inc for their promotion with Slaughter House Clothing

"Start a Fight" Music Video from Shotguns-N-Gasoline

Check out this entertaining video from Itchy Metal Artist: Shotguns N Gasoline  "Start A Fight"

Itchy Metal Gets Punk’d with Shotguns N Gasoline

Roots- Not the movie, the origins. It’s no big secret that all music stems from many similar sources; Styles borrowing from other styles, influences shaping art and collaborations that break down traditional barriers.

For instance: Jazz fuels blues, which impacted rock, then bred metal and we definitely can’t forget about punk. In fact, it’s that shameless punk rebellion which defines an entire generation and sub-culture of extremely vocal anarchists chanting, “We just don’t give a F! F the man! F the world! And of course, F you!!”  Sounds like a typical day at the office.

So when indie label Itchy Metal Entertainment decided to join the chant, some immediate responses were unsurprisingly: “WTF?” But it’s exactly that raw, balls-out (sometimes quite literally) perspective that sounded like the perfect “sign-o-the-times” soundtrack to the LA company during a recent discussion with Derek James, lead guitarist of the Sin-City punk band “Shotguns-N-Gasoline”.

“With metal, we jumped head-first into a genre and culture that literally breeds controversy and takes today’s social issues head on,” explains Ed Fassio, CEO of IME Records. “Most of IME’s artists have some part of their stage persona emulated in the real world. In the case of punk music and SNG, it’s literally life following art in everything they do. Their music, the lyrics and attitude- It’s all very genuine.”

Fassio began work with SNG 36 months prior, accompanying the group in the early days at local Las Vegas bars and underground hang-outs. It was 2008, the year Shotguns-N-Gasoline first launched on to the west coast music scene after various incarnations of James’ previous musical endeavors. Joining him, Michael Ullemeyer (percussionist) and Logan Pochatko (bass and vocals) merged to form the band’s original line-up – still in existence today. Since inception the punk trio has embarked on several self-promoted tours, playing with an impressive list of headliners including the Horror Pops, Dead Kennedys and the Voodoo Glow Skulls.  In addition to sharing national stages, the band holds endorsements with Seymour Duncan, Ernie Ball and Converse.

While heavy metal can get dark and serious, SNG addresses the same controversial scenarios and keeps it fun. SNG fans often find themselves shouting provocative lyrics nestled in the song’s catchy melodies. All the while, you’re moshing and downing a cold one after a long day at a job you hate. “I think at some point in our lives, we can all relate to that,” adds Fassio.

SNG’s new alignment with Itchy Metal reunites the trio with Fassio for a 2 year promo and distribution deal. Their first release on the new label will include the popular tracks: “SNG Anthem” and “Mom Vomit”.

Starting 2011 in Darkness, HMW Signs Vegas Metal Band “diM.” to IME Records

There’s nothing visually dark about the Vegas strip. Rather, the entire place lights up like a Christmas tree each night of the year, beckoning wide eyed tourists and star struck entertainers twenty-four hours a day.

As if to balance the illumination overload, darkness reveals itself within the city’s underground metal scene. It is here that Itchy Metal Entertainment first encountered the explosive sound of Death in Motion (aka diM.)

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing their live show several times,” reflects Ed Fassio, President of IME Records. “diM. commands a very impressive stage presence and they have a very loyal and intense audience.”

diM. are six members bonded by a common interest and love for heavy music. Formed in February of 2006, the sinister sextuplets have shared stage with some of the most brutal, up and coming heavy acts across the nation including: Mushroomhead, Motograter, Divine Heresy, Asesino, Agnostic Front, Spineshank, Otep and Silent Civilian – just to name a few.

With vocal styles reminiscent of sounds from the Deftones, Killswitch Engage, and Sevendust, the group consistently pushes the sound barrier; bringing unique elements to their music including distorted keyboard and samples that sound like recordings from a torture chamber.  Manifesting as the very embodiment of heavy metal, diM’s rhythm section blends unique patterns and grooves with drum fills that roll like an avalanche. And to wrap it up with one big, bloody knot, the band’s Slayer-styled guitar work serves as a facial power punch of unforgiving audio assault.

In early 2011, fans can expect two initial releases from the band through Itchy Metal Entertainment. Future plans include additional projects, merchandise and additional musical considerations. Signing the band on New Year’s Eve, IME Records is making literal bets that the future of Heavy Metal-World™ is: diM.

“I’m very excited to welcome diM. to the label and the world can expect great things from these guys,” adds Fassio. “I love it when bands can deliver the unexpected and shock the senses. These guys draw everyone in for the kill.”

"Rule of Thumb" Joins Heavy Metal-World™, Signs to IME Records

Las Vegas Hardcore band: Rule of Thumb knows respect: How to give it, and definitely how to get it!

As a veteran act on the Sin City metal scene, the established trio holds close associations with almost every musician, venue and promoter in town. Often sharing stage, sometimes sharing gear and always sharing an incredible live show, Rule of Thumb has earned honor and friendships through sweat equity and an uncompromising mission to remain true to themselves.

Unapologetic, the band tackles controversial issues without hesitation and routinely ignores political correctness when delivering their vicious blend of metal, hardcore and punk. Ironically, there are no rules for R.O.T. – and much of their success can be attributed to this rebellion.

“I don’t want to change anything about this band,” states Ed Fassio, head of IME Records. “These guys are loved by their fans because of who they are and what they do and you just don’t mess with that."

Always strategic, IME promotes the idea of mixing structure with mayhem while the Los Angeles indie label sets goals to add some new dynamics to their current line-up. The core pillars of maturity, strong business acumen and established fan-base were driving factors in matching Rule of Thumb with the Itchy Metal Entertainment family.

“Considering that I’ve seen these guys in full operation and witnessed their artistic capability, it wasn’t a hard decision,” says Fassio. “Their performance gets the entire facility involved. There’s so much going on that you can’t help but join the party.”

Rule of Thumb have toured the southwestern US extensively and shared stage with many national and international bands. Currently, the band is preparing to film their first video and planning tours for the east coast and UK.  With a stage performance matched by no other, the energy and no apologies attitude that Rule of Thumb commands should not be missed. – www.reverbnation.com/ruleofthumb

The new relationship will begin with the release of two R.O.T. singles, promoted and distributed by Itchy Metal Entertainment.

Heavy Metal-World™ Signs "In Shadows Embrace" to IME Records

Nestled amongst the tumbleweed, barren landscape and tanned mountains of the southern Nevada Desert is a town like no other. Literally viewable from space, Las Vegas’ appeal has always been attributed to super lights, megastars and ambitious dreams of fame and fortune.  So it’s no surprise that the local entertainment scene would also be flooded with aspiring musicians competing for their own slice of notoriety in Sin City.

The encounters can be fierce and attention is not easily attainable. For one group, it’s been a work-in-progress for over 3 years. In Shadows Embrace (aka ISE) is a heavy metal force, holding their own as one of the most successful bands on the Vegas underground scene.  With accomplishments that range from self-promoting, producing and releasing their own records, opening for numerous national acts and rocking the stage at the largest music festival in southern Nevada (Las Vegas’ Extreme Thing), few local acts have the resiliency, drive and avid fans that ISE commands.

“Anyone who is active on the local metal scene in Vegas knows there are a few consistent names that continue to circulate as the most accomplished and most promising bands to watch. ISE is definitely one of them,” states Ed Fassio.

Developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music, Heavy Metal-World™ launched IME Records in November 2010. The company was hell-bent on crafting a common vision for success and set out to find musicians that would understand and share a passion for creativity. As the VP of A&R for HMW and President of IME Records, Fassio has worked closely with many of the local heavy metal acts in Las Vegas.

ISE onstage at Extreme Thing Festival

“I’ve watched ISE’s progression for over 2 years now. I’ve seen them on stages large and small, witnessed their audience control, experienced their live shows and deeply respect their work ethic,” adds Fassio.  “In Shadows Embrace is a band with a tremendous amount of dedication and skill. All the members are focused, business-minded musicians and they truly understand what it means to work for their dreams. I’ve always enjoyed working with ISE and having them join Itchy Metal Entertainment allows a whole new world of possibilities.”

Included in their large list of accomplishments, In Shadows Embrace has shared stage with national acts such as 36 Crazy Fists, Five Finger Death Punch, The Used, Straight Line Stitch, Escape the Fate, Divine Heresy, Otep, Bury Your Dead, Everytime I Die, Through the Eyes of the Dead and many more…

For 2011, ISE’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with the launch of two new singles, supported by an aggressive promotional campaign.

For more information on In Shadows Embrace, visit them online at:

www.reverbnation.com/inshadowsembracelv

www.heavymetal-world.com

Guitar Virtuoso “Andrew Soto” Signs to IME Records

Once in a while a person comes along with a unique, natural gift simply defined as “ability”. When that same artist also enjoys performing, the result is pure entertainment. Such is the case of guitarist Andrew Soto.  The 22 year-old San Pedro, CA native brings speed, melody and thrilling showmanship to the table as the latest artist to sign to IME Records.

Officially launched in November 2010, IME Records is the reincarnation of Itchy Metal Entertainment (originally a music production company) from Las Vegas, NV. After being acquired by Los Angeles Media agency Heavy Metal-World™, IME set out to find a unique pool of talent across multiple genres with a specific focus on metal-influenced musicians. A talent rep brought Soto’s online videos to the attention of Ed Fassio, VP of A&R for HMW and President of IME Records.

“I first saw Andrew Soto on YouTube and it was quite the show. I became an instant fan and was very impressed with his playing,” explains Fassio. “I knew there was potential for a great project together.”

Andrew Soto has been playing guitar since 16.  Self-taught, his sound is absolutely heavy metal with melodies that often possess a jazz-fusion quality. Multi-faceted, Soto plays a variety of instruments including bass, drums and keyboards bringing to life his own blend of blues, rock and speed metal.

As described on his online profiles:

“His music tells a story that is packed with passion, rage, edginess and is deeply introspective. Andrew weaves tight licks to create the atmosphere of a thrill ride. At times, he is reminiscent of an early John McLaughlin, lead guitarist of the Mahavishnu Orchestra…” - http://www.myspace.com/andrewsolo666

Never is this more apparent than on his self-produced tracks “Senses Collapse” and “A New Beginning”. Andrew’s music attacks the senses with an onslaught of instrumental acrobatics. But the intensity really comes to life while watching him actually play the songs.

“What you’ll find in Andrew is someone who is very proficient instrumentally. It’s easy to become transfixed on the way he plays and the smoothness of his delivery,” adds Fassio. “This translates perfectly as an artist who not only composes, but also knows how to capture an audience.”

Signed as a solo-act, the possibilities for Andrew are endless. IME has immediate plans to release two singles from Soto and opportunities are already in development to expand on the new relationship. As the future unfolds, fans can be sure that both label and artist will leverage a full license for unlimited creativity.

Check out Andrew in action on guitar and bass:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsSVYi1GlkE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKof4uWbsGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYLCqKkesro&feature=related

For additional info on Andrew, check out his official website at:
www.andrewsotoofficial.com

Heavy Metal-World™ Signs A Band of Orcs to IME Records

When LA media agency Heavy Metal-World™ (HMW) opened submissions for new artists during the 2010 Holiday season, the indie outfit had some very specific goals in mind. Focused on assembling a unique approach by re-engineering the relationship between artist and record label, the company was hell-bent on crafting a common vision for success and set out to find musicians that would understand and share a passion for creativity.

Scouring the earth to find a combination of that kind of character, skill and work ethic sometimes requires looking beyond the norm.  It’s exactly that type of magnetic synergy which introduced unearthly beings A Band of Orcs to HMW’s newly formed division, IME Records.

A Band of Orcs is literally a big bunch of gruesome, brutal, intimidating Orcs that also happen to be kick-ass musicians. If you’re having a hard time digesting this concept, give it some time. But don’t take too long or you may just end up the one digested as Orcs have a nasty tendency towards being hungry. 

It just so happens they’ve also developed a strong affection for composing and performing heavy metal music, a combination that only the head-banging population could embrace, encourage and endorse.

Now, some might challenge whether or not non-humans could interact or even exist among our kind. Not only do they exist but they’ve found a welcome, new home within the cave of Itchy Metal Entertainment, recently joining as the latest signees of the Los Angeles-based record company.

“A Band of Orcs delivers the perfect combination of performance and chemistry to our roster of new artists,” states Ed Fassio, President of IME Records and VP of A&R for Heavy Metal-World™. “Drama, theatrics, characterization and brutality – these are core ingredients we wanted for our label and this band does NOT disappoint. This is skillfully accurate death metal delivered through larger-than-life manifestations: Orcs, heavy metal and pure genius.”

As mentioned, the Orcs musical preference is VERY heavy metal. But one might inquire as to how they acquired this taste. Hence, the official story as told by their manager, Gruesom Grimp:

“In December of 2006, a group of young nerds playing Dungeons & Dragons inadvertently summoned the monstrous oRcs into your realm by rolling dice on a “Random Encounter Table.” Unfortunately for them, they encountered A Band of Orcs, who reacted with all of the inappropriate violence that you might expect from such savage warriors.   The oRcs' world changed forever, though, when they heard the demonic sounds of Slayer coming from downstairs.  Enchanted with this new form of noise they forced the amateur guitarist they unearthed there to teach them how they could generate such sounds. They spared his life, and he gave them the materials they needed to make metal into magic.”  -  Visit www.abandoforcs.com for the full story…

With critically acclaimed releases such as their debut EP WarChiefs of the Apocalypse and their Fuse-TV promoted video Into the Maelstrom, a Band of Orcs has already made significant impact within music, film and radio circles.

Known for their theatrical live performance, the Orcs have also shared stage with Bay Area action-adventure-hardcore legends ArnoCorps, European death metallers Master, Canadian power-houses 3 Inches of Blood (remember their 2003 epic challenge to all orcdom "Destroy the Orcs?"), as well as nationals Deicide and Skinlab. Venturing outside of metal into the hardcore punk scene, they've also played with Battalion of Saints in San Diego.

As it states on their official website:
“A Band of Orcs want nothing less than to become Metal Gods in your puny human realm.  As such they crave praise and glory on the road. We would be honored for the opportunity to assault your puny human ear-drums to secure apotheosis for A Band of Orcs as deities in the Metalverse.”

And Itchy Metal Entertainment is here to help them do just that.